Rain in the valley and snow in the mountains forecast

If things go as predicted — and how often does that happen — a series of cold, wet winter storms are expected to begin to hit the region starting Thursday.

The National Weather Service anticipates a slight chance of rain starting today but from Thursday on the chance of precipitation reaches the level of good betting odds.

A winter storm warning was posted as of 7 a.m. today.

The warning forecasts increasingly heavy snow and some gusty winds starting over the Cascade Mountains and moving south over the Sierras above the 5,000 foot level.

The weather service advises motorists who plan to drive into the high mountains starting Thursday to check on road conditions before they leave. To get road conditions visit www.dot.ca.gov or call 1- 800-427-7623.